Your body often gives subtle warning signs when something is wrong, including the early stages of cancer. Recognizing these symptoms can lead to early diagnosis and timely treatment, potentially saving lives.

Indirect Symptoms
Not all cancer symptoms are obvious. Some are subtle, like wheezing or shortness of breath, often one of the first signs of lung cancer. Frequent fevers or infections may point to leukemia, as abnormal white blood cells weaken the immune system.

Difficulty swallowing can signal throat or lung cancer, while weakness and fatigue—though common—shouldn’t be ignored when paired with other symptoms. A feeling of fullness and loss of appetite may indicate ovarian cancer.

Visible Bodily Changes
Watch for rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, a possible sign of colorectal cancer. Lumps in the neck, underarms, or groin may indicate swollen lymph nodes and signal lymphoma or other cancers.

Excessive bruising or bleeding could suggest leukemia. Sudden, persistent bloating and unexplained weight loss may point to ovarian or digestive cancers.

Breast changes, such as swelling, redness, or nipple inversion, can signal inflammatory breast cancer.

Pain Symptoms
Chronic pelvic or abdominal pain is often associated with ovarian cancer or an enlarged spleen due to leukemia. Heavy or irregular periods may indicate uterine cancer.

Persistent chest pain or cough could be signs of lung or blood cancers. Back pain, especially in the lower right side, may be linked to liver or breast cancer.

If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor. Early detection and healthy living are key to reducing cancer risk.